Trail Map: The Hike: We arrived before 8am on a Tuesday in mid-May and parking was filling up quickly. GSMNP charges a $5 per day parking fee. This parking area doesn’t sell parking permits, we purchased one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This is a popular hike and parking areas fill up quickly. The trail […]
Alum Cave Bluff Trail Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Last year we hiked to Big Bald on the AT and it was one of our favorite hikes of 2023. This hike on the AT approaches Big Bald from the north. We didn’t have time for the 13 mile out-and-back to Big Bald, so we squeezed in a shorter hike to
Trail Map: The Hike: Crabtree Falls (not to be confused with a falls of the same name in Virginia) is just off the Blue Ridge parkway. This majestic 70’ falls is considered on of the most photogenic in western North Carolina. The trail is well marked and well maintained. This is a popular hike so
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy, short hike is great for kids of all ages. Flat Rock has great views of the Linville Valley and Grandfather Mountain. Interpretive signs tell the story of the plants, trees, animals, and geological features of the forest. Hike Photos: Click on an image below for an enlarged view. Beer
Trail Map: The Hike: This short hike on the Tanawha Trail has some amazing views. It’s rocky and steep, but the views are well worth the effort. The trail leads through a dense thicket of mountain laurel and rhododendron and reaches a boardwalk and wood observation platform. The Rough Ridge Lookout has some of the
Rough Ridge on the Tanawha Trail Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Grandfather Mountain has been on our hiking radar for a long time. The hike exceeded all of our expectations. First up: this is not an easy hike. The hike is nearly four steep miles of elevation gain. The rocky trail, switchbacks, 600+ wood and stone steps, rock scrambles, and ladders make
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Trail Map: The Hike: This hike in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park has lots of history and a decent view at the top. Several signs and placards tell the story of the people and events in this area. The trail is well marked and well maintained. From the parking area, followed the paved path to
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy trail has nice river and waterfalls views. The trail is well marked and well maintained. The hike begins with a swinging bridge across Big Cedar Creek. The trail soon becomes a wide, gravel path and passes beside the creek. Wildflowers line the trail with numerous nice creek views. Hikers
Big Falls and the Pinnacle Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This hike on the Fimmvörðuháls Trail may have the highest “number of waterfalls to miles hiked” ratio. We were in Iceland a few years ago and realized we never posted this hike. Better late than never. Starting with the spectacular Skógafoss, it seems like there is another waterfall around every bend
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Trail Map: The Hike: Dolly Sods is well known for its unique ecosystem and for muddy trails. On our early May hike, we were lucky as the famous mud didn’t materialize due to a few weeks of dry weather. This hike combines three trails: trail 522 Bear Rocks, trail 521 Raven Ridge, and trail 524
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